Austin Vestido Rojo turns community into a lifeline for Hispanic women’s heart health
AUSTIN, Aug. 11, 2026 — When Danitza Aguiar moved to Austin from Washington, D. C. , she wasn’t looking for a heart health program – she was looking for community. Feeling isolated and far from family, Aguiar sought out opportunities to meet people and. . .
A search for connection became a 14-year mission to help Latina women protect their heartsAUSTIN,Aug. 11, 2026—When Danitza Aguiar moved to Austin from Washington, D. C. , shewasn’tlooking for a heart health program – she was looking for community. Feeling isolated and far from family, Aguiarsought outopportunities to meet people and build connections. What started with local exercise classes and Zumba eventually led to an invitation to AustinVestidoRojo, the American Heart Association’s signature Spanish-language event focused on heart health education for Hispanic women. That invitation laid the groundwork for 14 years of leadership helping hundreds of women find the same sense of belonging,supportand empowerment Aguiar discovered. “When you arrive somewhere new, finding community changes everything,” said Aguiar. “I came toVestidoRojo looking forconnection. What I found was a community that became like a second family. ”Hosted by the American Heart Association, AustinVestidoRojo combines lifesaving heart health education with the warmth and traditions that help communities bond. Conducted entirely in Spanish and free to attend, the annual event provides health screenings, CPR demonstrations, expert-leddiscussionsand resources designed specifically for Hispanic women. This year, Aguiar will also lead a Zumba toning experience. For Aguiar, the event’s impact extends beyond health information. “I remember walking into my firstVestidoRojo and seeing the room filled with women all dressed in red – it was powerful,” said Aguiar. “But what stayed with me was the mission. I loved that it was in Spanish and focused on educating Latina women in a way that felt welcoming,engagingand relevant. ”Over the years, Aguiar became one of the event’s strongest advocates, serving as amadrina(table host) and inviting friends,familyand community members to attend. This year alone, she has helped bring eleven tables,representingapproximately 110 attendees. “What makes me happiest is seeing women come back and bring something new,” said Aguiar. “People come for the information, but they return because of the community. They feel like they belong. ”That sense of belonging is at the heart of AustinVestidoRojo, where more than 650 attendees will gatherto learn about cardiovascular health while celebrating culture, friendship and the collective power of women supporting one another. ###About the American Heart AssociationThe American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuringequitablehealth in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us onheart. org,Facebook,Xor by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries:Michael Vybiral: michael. vybiral@heart. orgFor Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)